When you want a showstopper centerpiece for dinner but still crave variety, this two-in-one salmon delivers. A whole side of salmon gets halved lengthwise. It is dressed up in two ways. One half is slathered in smoky paprika breadcrumbs for a crunchy bite. The other is dressed in a bright jalapeño pesto for a pop of heat and color. Perfect for entertaining or just giving yourself options.

Featured Standouts

Whole Side of Salmon 

This centerpiece of the dish is chosen for its inherently mild, buttery flavor profile, which makes it incredibly versatile. Its richness provides an excellent canvas for absorbing and complementing a diverse range of bold flavors. Sourced for quality, it promises a tender, flaky texture when cooked to perfection.

Jalapeño Pesto 

Moving beyond the traditional, this pesto offers a vibrant and zesty twist. The jalapeños provide a welcome kick of heat. This heat is expertly balanced by the fresh, bright notes typically found in pesto. This dynamic condiment cuts through the salmon’s richness, adding a layer of exciting complexity. Use my recipe here so you can make enough for the entire week.

Paprika Breadcrumbs 

Breadcrumbs crisp texture provides a delightful contrast to the tender salmon. They create an irresistible crust that elevates each bite. Use my recipe featuring the super easy no knead-bread dough to really elevate this dish. Alternatively you can use panko in a pinch.

Olive Oil 

High-quality olive oil serves multiple critical functions in this recipe. It acts as a binder, ensuring that the seasonings and toppings adhere beautifully to the salmon. It keeps the salmon moist and succulent during cooking. This prevents it from drying out. It also enhances the salmon’s natural flavors.

Lemon Zest & Juice 

These citrus elements are essential for brightening the entire dish. The zest provides aromatic oils that contribute a fresh, vibrant perfume, while the juice offers a clean, acidic counterpoint. They expertly cut through the richness of the salmon and pesto. This ensures that the flavors remain lively. It prevents the dish from feeling too heavy.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST SIDE OF SALMON TWO WAYS

Halving the Salmon for Optimal Topping

Use a sharp chef’s knife to carefully slice the whole side of salmon lengthwise. This will maximize the flavor impact. Cut it right down the center. This strategic cut yields two even fillets, effectively doubling the surface area available for the flavorful toppings. More surface area means more of that delicious pesto and crispy breadcrumbs in every serving. Or you can buy one salmon half and split it in two to try both but also save money.

Achieving Crispier Breadcrumbs

For a truly superior texture, take a moment to toast the paprika breadcrumbs in a dry skillet. Add a touch of olive oil before sprinkling them over the salmon. This pre-toasting step is crucial. It removes excess moisture and activates their flavor. This ensures they achieve a delightfully crisp, golden-brown finish. They won’t become soggy during baking.

Balancing the Heat for All Palates

When preparing this dish for a diverse group, consider their individual heat preferences. If you want a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. Do this before incorporating them into the pesto. This significantly reduces the spice level. However, it retains the pepper’s distinctive fresh flavor. This alteration makes the dish accessible to a wider audience.

Effortless Sheet Pan Setup for Easy Cleanup

 Simplify your cooking and cleanup routine by lining your sheet pan with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface that prevents food from adhering and makes post-dinner tidying a breeze. For a convenient one-pan dinner, you can divide the parchment-lined pan. Dedicate one half for the pesto-topped salmon. Use the other half for the breadcrumb-crusted portion. This allows for simultaneous cooking and minimal mess.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Food processor (for pesto)
Skillet (for toasting breadcrumbs)
Sheet pan
Parchment paper

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

Avocado Wasabi Pasta Salad

Meat & Cheese Lasagna + Stewed Garlic Olives

Roasted Lemon Chicken + Black Truffle Pasta

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

SMORES CHEESECAKE BARS

ROCKY ROAD CHOCOLATE BUNDT CAKE

PAN AU CHOCOLAT BREAD PUDDING

RECIPE

Marissa Bolden

Side of Salmon Two Ways

When you want a showstopper centerpiece for dinner but still crave variety, this two-in-one salmon delivers. A whole side of salmon gets halved lengthwise, then dressed up two ways: one half slathered in smoky paprika breadcrumbs for a crunchy bite, and the other in a bright jalapeño pesto for a pop of heat and color. Perfect for entertaining or just giving yourself options.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole side of salmon about 2 lbs, halved lengthwise
• Olive oil
• 1 Tb Sea Salt
• 1 Tb Black pepper
• 6 Garlic cloves minced
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Jalapeño Pesto recipe attached
• Paprika Breadcrumbs recipe attached

Method

 

1. Prep the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Place both salmon halves skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Split the minced garlic between the two sides.
2. Flavor one side: For one of the salmon halves, coat both sides with ½ cup of the jalapeño pesto.
3. Add Breadcrumbs: On the other salmon half, top with breadcrumbs made from the paprika no-knead bread. (If not available, use regular breadcrumbs.) Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
4. Roast & Serve: Roast the salmon for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

[ss_social_follow networks=”Pinterest”]